4/3/1817: Legendary Texan born in Virginia

[Craig Tx]

On this day in 1817, Bigfoot Wallace was born in Lexington, Virginia.

He arrived in Texas shortly after the Texas Revolution, fought Gen. Adrián Woll's invading Mexican army near San Antonio in 1842, and then volunteered for the Somervell and Mier expeditions. Some of his most graphic memories were of his experiences in Perote Prison. As soon as he was released, he joined the Texas Rangers under Jack Hays and fought with the rangers in the Mexican War. In the 1850s Captain Wallace commanded a ranger company of his own, fighting border bandits as well as Indians. He spent his later years in Frio County, near a hamlet named Bigfoot. There he was known as a mellow and convivial soul who liked to sit in a roomy rawhide-bottomed chair in the shade of his shanty and recount over the stories of his career.

[Uncle Russ]

He also carried Mail, by Coach, from San Antonio, Texas to El Paso, Texas....a distance of 552 Miles, each way.
I'm told that, in the past, the Franklin Mountain, and Paso Del Norte Gun Clubs held an annual "3-Gun Match" in Bigfoot Wallace's honor every year on his Birthday....I was never there, and never personally witnessed those Matches, but I was told they always drew a pretty big crowd.
In El Paso, TX, the name Bigfoot Wallace was held in high respect, as far back as I can remember, and lots of stories and rumors surrounding this man were told over and over. Especially during, and after the startup of SASS back in the late 1970's early 80's.
It was often joked back then, that when sending something by mail, to "be sure and have it stamped Bigfoot so it'll get there 'Safe'n Sound' and on time".
(I tried to look all this up so I could share it, but all I could find was a short blurb on him having carried the Mail.)

Russ...

[BEAVERMAN]

well boys and girls there is just one thing I want to say here, I sure do appreciate ol Craig getting back on the forum and taking the bull by the horns and keeping the Tejas connection alive here, well done old friend!

[Craig Tx]

well boys and girls there is just one thing I want to say here, I sure do appreciate ol Craig getting back on the forum and taking the bull by the horns and keeping the Tejas connection alive here, well done old friend!

Thanks Jim!  It's my pleasure!  With a bit more time on my hands now, it's easier for me to keep up with things.